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Lot Number: 166
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1864 Letter From Lt. Commander Fitch on USS "Moose" of the Mississippi Squadron Regarding Safety of Storing Gunpowder

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March 20, 1864-Dated Civil War Period, Manuscript Letter by U.S. Navy Lt. Commander LeRoy Fitch to the Fleet Captain of the Mississippi Squadron Regarding the Safety of Storing Gunpowder on the U.S. Receiving Ship "Grampus", 2 pages, Very Fine.

This Civil War date Union Naval Officer's Letter is 2 pages, measuring 7-5/8" x 9-3/4", written on board the U.S.S. Steamer "Moose", at Smithland, Kentucky, by Lt. Commander LeRoy Fitch (1835-1875), an 1856 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he served with great distinction during the Civil War. Promoted to Lt. Commander in Feb. 1862 after the Naval Victory at Memphis; In commanding the USS "Moose" in the Mississippi River Squadron, he pursued Confederate John Hunt Morgan for 500 miles up the Ohio River, frustrating Morgan's attempts to cross the river and retire to Confederate Territory; Fitch was renowned for his abilities in counterinsurgency and convoy tactics. He died at age 39 in Logansport, Indiana.

Here, writing to Alexander M. Pennock (1813-1876), Fleet Captain of the Mississippi River Squadron, 1862 to 1864; he was promoted to Commodore in 1868 and to Rear Admiral in 1872, retiring from the Navy in 1875. This historic letter is well-written in brown ink on light blue lined wove period paper, some old mounting traces at the far edge and is easily readable, with good content regarding the safety of gunpowder stored on the U.S.S. Grampus, a side-wheel Steamer used as a Receiving Ship for the Mississippi Squadron, and the need for guns to be mounted on her for training purposes. This Letter reads, in full

"U.S.S. Steamer 'Moose',

Smithland, Ky., March 20, 1864

Sir: --- I have the honor to state the powder on board the U.S. Receiving ship 'Grampus' at Cincinnati is fixed ammunition for 24 pounders and was stowed there to be kept in cases of necessity for boats in the upper river. There are now one hundred and seventy five boxes there. The store room on shore would not be a safe place to keep it, and I do not think it dangerous to the Receiving ship, as it is fixed ammunition and, at the request of the ordnance officer then in Cincinnati, there were two rooms, or magazines fitted up on board the 'Grampus' expressly for this ammunition - each room, was calculated to hold about one hundred boxes.

We may need this ammunition at Cincinnati or above, when it will be impossible to get ammunition up from Cairo - therefore I would suggest that it remain there, as I do not see that there is with due caution any more, or in fact, as much danger to the Receiving ship than any other boat carrying fixed ammunition.

It was intended when guns could be spared to mount some on the 'Grampus' for the crew to exercise - and that she should always keep a supply of ammunition for the boats belonging in that part of the river. Very respectfully / Your obt. Servt. -- (Signed) Le Roy Fitch Lieut. Comd'r --- (to) Fleet Captain A. M. Pennock / Comd't Naval Station / Cairo, Ills."

During the American Civil War, Commander LeRoy Fitch served in the Union Navy, particularly in the Western Theater. The Mississippi Squadron played a crucial role in controlling the Mississippi River and its tributaries, which was strategically important for both the Union and the Confederacy.

Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II
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Lot Number: 166
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